To those in whose hearts the impulse of violence still festers, whoever you are, you have been given your answer. It has been expressed as never before and in the clearest possible terms. Your day is over. You are the past. The peace-builders, the bridgebuilders are the future. - The President, Mrs McAleese
It is a very convincing endorsement to have over 71 per cent of the people of Northern Ireland endorse this agreement. . It was not as big a majority of unionists as I would have liked, but a clear majority of them endorsed it. We have taken an important step forward. - David Trimble, the Ulster Unionist Party leader
The Ulster people refused to be bribed, to be bullied, to be bought. They stood firm and we got 56 per cent of the unionist vote. - The Rev Ian Paisley, arguing that a majority of unionists voted No
That was a very historic act and you are telling us to lay the foundations for lasting peace and stability, and you did it in great numbers. - John Hume, SDLP leader, thanking the electorate
The will of the people has spoken. They, the people, have said "there has to be a better way". We now have to get our hands dirty and deal with people who perhaps we don't like in order to achieve something better.
- David Ervine, of the Progressive Unionist Party
I think Warrington was part of the process of change, with the realisation that youngsters being killed had nothing to do with politics.
- Colin Parry, whose 12 year-old son Tim was killed by the IRA bomb in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1993
I thank the people of Northern Ireland and, as I said before the vote, I say again: I shall be back again and again to make good the promises I made.
- Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister
It's a fantastic result.
- Rita Restorick, whose son Lance Bombadier Stephen Restorick was shot dead by an IRA sniper in South Armagh in February 1997
Northern Ireland has voted to take the gun out of politics, North and South of the Border. - The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam
Their collective verdict transcends not just the Anglo-Irish Agreement but the whole 1920-21 settlement.
- The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern
I salute the leaders who stood for hope against fear, the future against the past, unity against division. Most of all, I congratulate the Irish people for having the courage and wisdom to vote for a brighter future for their children. As of today, peace is no longer a dream, it is a reality. You have indeed joined hope to history. - President Clinton
[The result is] a powerful message the people want to settle their problems through peaceful and democratic means. . . Over the past few years, I have come to know the people of Northern Ireland. They are energetic, intelligent and productive. I admire and like them and they deserve much better for the troubles they have had over the past 30 years. - Senator George Mitchell, talks chairman
The DUP leader Ian Paisley is claiming that he has really won the election! This is like King Canute trying to hold back the tide. - Ulster Unionist Party statement
Regardless of today's outcome in referendums in two geographical fragments of Ireland, Republican Sinn Fein will continue to campaign for British disengagement from Ireland and for a new four-province federation with maximum devolution to local level as the best guarantee of a permanent peace in our country.
The Republican Sinn Fein president, Ruairi O Bradaigh
A tremendous day for all the people on this island . . . One of the greatest exercises in democracy anywhere in the world.
- The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton
One of the great moments of Irish history; we've had 1916 and the Treaty and now this. - The former Taoiseach, Mr Garret FitzGerald
If they are prepared to set aside democracy in order to fill their own selfish aims, people will have to see them for what they are - destroyers.
- Gary McMichael, Ulster Democratic Party leader
The people of Northern Ireland have at last thrown off the past. A bright future, of their own making, now beckons them. I wish them Godspeed.
Lord Mayhew, former Northern Ireland Secretary of State
[David Trimble] has achieved what no other unionist leader has been able to do in the 30 or so years - that's to lead positively. - Brid Rodgers, SDLP
What I can give is an absolute commitment that Sinn Fein will continue with a peace strategy. - Martin McGuinness, vice-president of Sinn Fein
People voted for dialogue and equality and inclusiveness, a partnership. - Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein
Why are you smiling? - French woman reporter to Mr Adams
Because you're here. - His reply
Any of you know, did Ireland win? The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, inquiring how the Irish soccer team fared against Mexico
We have an agreement which has apparently been endorsed over 90 per cent by the nationalist community. How can an agreement endorsed to that extent by nationalists be good for the Union when the objective of nationalism is to have a united Ireland? - Robert McCartney, leader of the UK Unionist Party
I want [Gerry Adams] to tell me the war is over. - David Trimble
We are absolutely thrilled that we are moving forward towards a peaceful Ireland.
- Boyzone
Go home, dinosaur! - Loyalist heckler to Dr Paisley